Emotional Availability in Mother-Child and Father-Child Interactions as Predictors of Child’s Attachment Representations in Adoptive Families

Abstract

Emotional availability (EA) in parent-child interactions is associated with positive child outcomes, including attachment security. However, little is known about EA in adoptive families. This study investigated the associations between secure representations of attachment in adopted children and the adoptive parents’ EA. The participants (n = 75) included 26 mothers, 23 fathers, and 26 children who were aged 3 to 9 years. Children completed the Attachment Story Completion Task. Adult-child dyadic relationships were assessed using the EA® System. The results showed that the children’s and parents’ EA, age when adopted, and time elapsed since adoption were associated with more secure children’s attachment representations. Implications for family support and public policy are discussed.

Determining Factors in the Establishment of the Mother-Child Bonding and Its Repercussions During Development in Early Childhood

“…(BROCKINGTON et al, 2001) In this sense, research by (Wendland-Carro et al1999), demonstrates that promoting information to mothers about the capabilities of newborns for interaction is an action capable of fostering maternal sensitivity and responsiveness, which can help in synchronizing the dyad and consequently in the formation of a secure attachment. (ALMEIDA et al, 2022;FUKUI et al, 2021;JULIAN et al, 2022) Bee (1997) also argues that parental support is positive for the baby's development. Mothers who feel they have adequate support from health professionals, psychologists and the family after some traumatic situation such as rape, premature births, teenage pregnancy, among other adversities, are more likely to have children with secure attachment, and with time, achieve establish maternal bonds.…”